Contributors

This past summer and fall, I've reviewed many, many sunscreens. (25 to be exact!) I've also written several articles on sunscreen and what to look for, what to do/not to do, guidelines as updated by the US FDA, etc.

It was really rewarding being able to write all of these reviews, learn about all of these products and the science behind them, and to impart knowledge on anyone who has read (or will read) these posts.

I hope I've been helpful as an enthusiastic up-and-coming med student, patient and mass consumer educator, aficionado and consumer of all sorts.

Clinics is coming up and med school definitely takes a lot of time. Hopefully I will have the time to write more posts in the future.

Here's a wrap-up of everything I've written in these past 2 years, as well as articles I've linked:

Bottom line, I don't like this product, and I don't recommend it to anyone unless they want to either (1) look terrible in pictures, (2) look like Edward Cullen all day long, or (3) just have super super sensitive skin and can't tolerate any other product.

This is the second-to-last sunscreen I will review for the Summer 2013 season of The Sunscreen Project. I actually used this sunscreen for quite awhile during my Cali trip in July.

Honestly, I didn't even buy this sunscreen. My best friend from forever brought it along during the trip. He had used this during his mountain hikes, and so far found it to be a good "protector", so I figured it'd be a good try.

This product stung. Honestly I think it was because I was definitely not used to the more dry Cali climate, but honestly the avobenzone stung my face raw. I remember feeling like I was giving myself hives whenever I put it on (and trust me, the time I got hives was not fun, especially since at the time the eight-year old me did not recognize what it was and did not go to the hospital). On day two of the trip, since my skin hadn't gotten as dry due to the Cali climate, I was okay, but by day 5 of the trip it felt agonizing putting it on every morning.

Ultimately, I think this product is a good thing for those with thick or resilient skin. As for me and my rather sensitized skin, I think I'll pass.

I was fortunate enough to be able to receive a sample of this product from Sephora recently.

I've never really used any high-end mascaras ever since my first one, the Estee Lauder one my mother gave me when I first started wearing makeup, ended up in a raccoon eye disaster. Also, I've always felt that drugstore mascaras were super awesome. In addition, since each mascara can only last 3 months before the preservatives in the product begin to lose their efficacy, high-end mascaras are often thought of as a waste of money.

Honestly, for the price point and for the brand, this is a nice mascara. However, I've encountered many mascaras (e.g. Maybelline, L'oreal) that produce similar effects and are only a quarter of the price. Truthfully, I could buy a year's worth of mascara at the drugstore for the price of one mascara from MUFE. Also, thinking of the watery effects of this product - meaning, the fact that it makes my eyes water - I don't think it's the best product that I could try in this category.

If you had the money, what would be the one fashion item that you would buy right away??? GO!!!
My answer? It's conditional.

If I could spend it on anything, I would first spend it on med school tuition. So many loans and $40K+ in debt every year is tough. Just being able to break even for med school would be nice.

If I had to spend it on fashion things, I would use it on things that are practical. Clinics clothing for medical school (basically, business professional clothing), some nice Clarks or comfortable GB shoes for walking around hospitals in clinics, etc.

For makeup - lots of waterproof makeup. I've noticed that it lasts longer, wears longer, and I am definitely not one of those girls who is patient enough to touch-up all day long. It's 10 minutes in the morning and out the door I go. Some nice, high-quality MUFE or UD makeup would be nice.

Or perhaps a nice Tempur-Pedic mattress. My twin-sized mattress is pretty old. Oh well. It still works. And the eggshell mattress pad is a nice bonus.